When you fancy a trip, it can sometimes be hard to decide where to go. For me, this trip was a no-brainer. Stanthorpe is one of my favourite places. Mark and I went there for one of our first ever trips away back in 2007. I went back alone in 2023.
Now here I find myself in 2026 taking dad to the cottages where my love of Stanthorpe started. We’re heading to Diamondvale Cottages.
Diamondvale Cottages
Diamondvale Cottages are run by Rachael and David who have poured their heart and soul into making them something special. Tucked away on the Granite Belt, just minutes from Stanthorpe yet seemingly a world apart, this collection of cottages offers more than accommodation.
Set across bushland and bordered by the winding Quart Pot Creek, the estate invites you to slow down almost immediately. Kangaroos appear at a distance, birds provide an ever-changing soundtrack, and the air itself feels cleaner, sharper somehow.
Each of the four self-contained cottages carries its own character, balancing rustic charm with thoughtful comfort. Fireplaces crackle in the cooler months, verandahs stretch out towards the landscape, and interiors feel warm and lived-in, lovingly so. There is an ease here; nothing feels overdone, yet everything feels considered.
What makes Diamondvale linger in the memory is its balance. You are secluded, wrapped in quiet and space, yet close enough to head off into the region’s wineries, cafes, and small-town rhythm whenever you choose. It allows for both retreat and exploration, without pressure toward either.
Evenings tend to settle slowly. A glass of local wine, the fading light through the trees, the distant rustle of wildlife—these become the moments that matter. Diamondvale Estate offers stillness, simplicity, and the quiet luxury of being unhurried. A rarity in the hasty world of today.
The Journey Down
The journey down is all about avoiding the major highways as much as you can. From home, we head down Bells Creek Arterial Road and out to Beerwah. From there, it is on to Kilcoy.
Then it’s onto Esk via Gregors Creek road and continuing to Gatton. From there, the Gatton-Clifton Road and on to the New England Highway bring you to Warwick. Keep on the New England Highway and you head straight on to Stanthorpe.
Whether you stop at Kilcoy or Esk for breakfast, or Gatton or Warwick for lunch, you will always find somewhere to grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of places along the way.
Weather while we’re there
April weather in Stanthorpe, is what English people call delightful! Australians call it ‘fresh.’ It is about 22 degrees through the day and hovers around 10 degrees at night. For an aussie, we are making sure long trousers have been packed.
However, the weather odds were in our favour. The long trousers weren’t needed!!
What’s to See and Do
Stanthorpe, nestled in Queensland’s Granite Belt, is known for its cool climate, fresh produce and striking natural landscapes. One of the highlights is exploring the region’s many wineries, where you can follow the wine trails and sample unique cool-climate varieties alongside gourmet local foods like cheese, olives, and truffles.
Nature lovers are spoiled for choice. A short drive takes you to Girraween National Park, famous for its dramatic granite boulders, walking tracks and the iconic Granite Arch. For sweeping views, head up Mount Marlay, which rises above the town and offers a peaceful lookout over the surrounding countryside. Closer to town, stroll along Quart Pot Creek, visit the quirky Big Thermometer, or stop by the heritage-listed Stanthorpe Soldiers Memorial, a reminder of the region’s history.
For outdoor relaxation, Storm King Dam is perfect for picnics, kayaking and enjoying the tranquil water views, while Glenlyon Dam offers fishing, boating and water sports.
Whether you are there for nature, food or a cosy winter escape, Stanthorpe delivers a relaxed and memorable getaway.
Diary of the Trip
This trip I was excited about, I will admit it. I love Stanthorpe. Why? Well, it holds many happy memories as well as being somewhere that I feel very comfortable. It’s a place where there are equal parts ‘plenty to do’ and ‘do nothing’ and you would still come away from it with the same feel, the same love. It is a place I never want to leave.
Monday 6 April
Today was the day of arrival and we set off about 9am from home. We took our planned journey which remained uneventful. After a quick stop at Kilcoy for some breakfast and a coffee in Warwick, we got to Stanthorpe at 230pm. We unpacked the car and I let dad in on the secret I had planned. I had organised for a lovely platter of food and a bottle of red wine for the evening, so we didn’t have to rush around. The wine, from View Wine was a 2023 Shiraz at $40 a bottle.
We headed off after unpacking to Granite Belt Brewery – a schooner of 6.2% IPA was tried and tested and met with his approval. We headed back to the accomodation (with a couple of stops for the camera to make an appearance) and tucked into the platter.
Cheese, prosciutto, fruit, crackers, dips, and nuts – all went down a treat. Overall, a successful arrival day. We relaxed for the rest of the evening and made some plans for Tuesday.
Tuesday 7 April
After a good night’s sleep, in the king size bed, with more pillows than I could count, it was time to start the day. The coolness of Stanthorpe mornings was clear. I needed to do something I had not done in a year. I put socks on! We had breakfast and then headed out.
We headed off to the Highland Drive through Eukey Road and stopped often to take pictures. After a stop at Symphony Hill Wines and a circuit of another few roads, was time for lunch at Ballandean Pub
A slow drive back, a stop at Washpool Toiletries and the day was done. Of course, there was always time to sneak a pint at Granite Belt Brewery We finished off the evening relaxing at the cottage.
Wednesday 8 April
Coffee and breakfast in the cottage was the perfect start to the day. After a nice hot shower, we headed out. A drive down Amiens Road took us out to The Summit and where the ‘Big Apple’ stands proud. We had a ploughman’s lunch for 2 at the Cheese Factory. Thank you to the Jersey Girls Cafe . I picked up my two lots of cheese (Granite Gold and a chilli cheese) and we were on our way.
Next stop was Old Stanthorpe Road. This scenic journey took us on a slow drive to. Warwick where a drink was called for. Cue Psycho Suzies where dad had his pint.
Then, a drive to Lake Leslie. We had been there many years ago but this time we looked at the area, and it didn’t hold the appeal anymore. We looked at each other, shook our head, and headed back to Diamondvale. Lake Leslie didn’t have the charm that we remembered.
The evening was spent packing and getting ready for the journey tomorrow.
Thursday 9 April
I never want to leave Stanthorpe after a trip here, but it was time for the journey back. Unfortunately, we had to leave. The car was packed and we set off. First priority was a breakfast stop. I chose Vincenzo’s at the Big Apple
We cheerfully put away a big breakfast each and a coffee. I had a mooch around the deli that is there to see what was on offer.
The second stop was for diesel. Once the tank was topped up, we were on our way home.
Evaluate the Trip
Whenever I go on a trip, I always like to ask myself questions. The trouble is, I know the answers to these before I have even left for Stanthorpe.
Would I go again? Yes.
Would I stay at Diamondvale again? Yes
These answers will always be the same for Stanthorpe and for Diamondvale. Stanthorpe has everything. Wineries, chocolate shops, national parks, scenic drives, truffles, Christmas Farm, Washpool Toiletries…it is all here. You can do whatever you want, or you can do nothing at all.
That’s the charm of it.
